Booking an airplane seat for an infant under two years old shouldn’t be difficult… should it? Tiny Trailblazers investigates airline and booking website policies for infants to find out just how simple it is to buy a seat for your baby, and why you should do it.

Why would you buy a seat for an under-two-year-old?

Babies can get pretty heavy and wriggly on a long flight, making an extra seat a good move for everyone’s comfort. With their own seat, they have somewhere to sleep comfortably and do not have to be disturbed every time an adult gets up. More importantly, an infant can sit in a car seat or a CARES harness if they have their own seat, which is a lot safer than sitting in a lap. Turbulence can happen on any flight and can cause serious injury.

According to a spokesperson from the FAA, “The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strongly urges you to secure your child in a CRS or device for the duration of your flight. It’s the smart and right thing to do so that everyone in your family arrives safely at your destination.”

If you do buy an airplane seat for your baby and they are under 40lb, it is highly recommended they sit in either a FAA-approved car sear or wear a CARES harness (the ONLY child harness approved by the FAA for flight). If they can’t sit upright, they won’t be allowed to sit in their own seat without an appropriate restraint.

Check out our post about bringing an infant car seat onto a flight.

While it should be as easy to buy a seat for your baby as it is for yourself, it doesn’t always work out that way, as Jessen, Seattle mom of two, found out recently.

Jessen said: “At first we didn’t want an infant seat but accidentally booked it and were like, ‘Hey! This is probably a great mistake!’ We also got a seat with a bassinet so we thought she could sit or be in the bassinet and her brother (4) could sit or lay down for the long flight in the extra seat.

“We thought we were buying through Kayak but when the confirm page came up (post putting in credit card info into kayak) it was Kiwi.com. We bought six months in advance because the seats were just over $900 each for a round-trip, Seattle to Rhodes. Way cheap!”

Unfortunately, when Jessen called Norwegian Airlines, the airline they had booked through, there was a problem.

“We called Norwegian to get the bassinet seat and they only saw three with a lap infant,” Jessen said.

After calling Kiwi, Jessen said the online travel agency agreed to look into the issue but it was taking time.

At this point, Tiny Trailblazers contacted Kiwi to find out what was going on with the booking.

A spokesperson for Kiwi said: “Kayak had facilitated the booking where four seats were ordered and paid for at full price. Through this booking, Kiwi.com had automatically processed three seats plus an infant to sit on the adults lap, with the goal to provide the best possible price for the customer.

“Kiwi.com has now adjusted the booking and has manually added the additional seat.”

Kiwi explained that a time zone difference may have delayed communication and added they get over a million flight search queries daily. Jessen said she was happy with the outcome and the Kiwi agents she spoke to were “really nice”.

As Jessen discovered, it is a good idea to call the airline you are flying with before getting to the airport to understand the policy on flying with an infant – and if you definitely have all the seats you booked! I checked the booking policies of the most popular US airlines and some online travel booking portals to give you an idea of what to expect when booking an airplane seat for an infant.

Kayak

Kayak gives customers the option to check either “Seat infant under two” or “lap infant under two”.

Expedia

Expedia has a drop down menu where you can select “lap infant” or “own seat” for your under-two-year-old.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner does not allow you to choose lap infant but as it is a price comparison site, you will be directed to the airline or travel agent to book the flight on selecting a flight. At this point, you can specify whether you want to travel with a lap infant. Skyscanner includes any discounts available to children in its algorithm, which is ideal for families looking for the cheapest option for the whole family.

American Airlines

American Airlines gives you the option of buying a seat for your infant on its website. However, you must ensure your bring your FAA-approved seat if your child cannot sit upright on their own. If you want to bring your under two on your lap, you won’t have to pay the full price but you will still have to pay taxes, and possibly a percentage of the adult fare.

The website does not give you the option of booking a “lap infant”. If you want to carry your baby on your lap, you have to call the American Airlines reservation line.

United Airlines

The United Airlines website gives travelers the option to book a ticket for a lap infant or for a seat for a child under two. On domestic flights, a lap infant is free (but you still have to let United know you are traveling with a baby).

On international flights, expect to pay 10% of the adult fare if they are on your lap and full fare if you book them their own seat.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest’s website only gives fliers the option to book as an adult (over two) or a senior online, so no choice of lap infant or seated infant. 

If you are traveling domestically and want to carry your child on your lap, you need to book your own ticket then go to the Southwest ticket desk on the day of travel with your child’s birth certificate. Once an agent has verified your child’s age, they give you a Boarding Verification Document for your baby, which is the equivalent of a boarding pass. This is free of charge.

If you want to book your under two a seat and can bring your car seat or CARES harness, Southwest offer discounted infant fares. You will need to call the reservation line to take advantage of this offer on 1 (800) 435-9792 as these fares are not available through the website. Don’t forget your child’s birth certificate if you book an infant fare, as the ticket desk agent will need to see it at check-in.

If you are traveling internationally with a lap infant, you will need to pay the taxes and fees, either when you get to the airport or by calling the reservation line. 

Hawaiian Airlines

When booking online, Hawaiian Airlines only offers the option of adult or child (2-11) so if you want to travel with your infant, you need to call the reservation line. 

Lap infants fly free domestically, and pay 10% of the adult fare, plus taxes and fees, when flying internationally.

If you want to buy a seat for your infant, Hawaiian Airlines charges full adult fare for domestic flights but offers a discount of 75% for international flights for children under the age of two.

This special fare is not available online, you will need to call the reservations line to buy a ticket.

Delta

Delta only gives the option of booking as a “passenger” on their website. However, as you are paying full fare for a child under two in their own seat anyway, you can simply book their ticket online. If you want to take an under two as a lap infant, you will need to call Delta on 800-221-1212 after booking your seat so your child’s name can be added to the ticket.

There is no extra charge for flying domestically with a lap infant but expect to pay 10% of the adult fare plus taxes and fees if you are flying internationally. Again, you will need to call Delta to pay the fees or pay at the check-in counter.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier allow you to book a lap infant or children under 15 directly on its website. Lap infants fly free but Frontier recommends you bring their birth certificate in case their is any doubt about their age. Frontier has a “kids fly free” offer on some flights but you have to be part of their membership club, which has an annual fee of $59.

Spirit Airlines

The website for Spirit has the option to book seats for adults and for children but there is no lap infant option, so if you want to carry your under-two-year-old, call the reservation line when booking. Domestically, lap infants are free – Spirit recommends bringing their birth certificate to the airport for check-in as proof they are not older than 24 months – while taxes and fees apply to international flights.

Alaska Air

There is an option to include a lap infant on Alaska Air’s website but not book a seat for an under-two-year-old, so you can call the reservation line in this case. Lap infants travel free in the US but have to pay fees and taxes internationally. According to Alaska Air, there may also be a charge based on a percentage of the adult fare but it is not clear what this would be.

The post How To Book An Infant Airplane Seat In The US appeared first on Tiny Trailblazers.

If your child has a fear of flying but you still want – or need – to travel with them, what steps can you take to help them? 

Why are children afraid of flying?

According to Dr Martin Seif, ADAA member who ran a Fear of Flying program and has counseled thousands of adults for their flight anxieties, young children are not afraid of flying as such, because they have very little experience of air travel, but they may have other worries.

“There are lots of young children, where there are elements of flying they don’t like, like fear of crowds, or not having their familiar things with them. They might have a social shyness, or social anxiety,” he said.

“The fear of nausea and vomiting, which can be a fear for ages of five to ten, can be a real issue for kids. If they are just concerned about the flight, there are lots of things you can do: mostly, reassurance.

“There are anti-nausea medications mild enough for children you can give, or ginger-based remedies, even a placebo can help.”

Dr Seif added if a fear of vomiting goes beyond flying and is an everyday problem, with your child refusing to go to school or get in a car, it could be the start of an anxiety disorder and should be evaluated by a doctor.

Flying triggers a lot of different anxieties and older children with a fear of heights, germs or confined spaces might find flying difficult, Dr Seif said.

However, the greatest fear people have about flying may not be what you expect.

“People who are afraid of flying, their greatest fear is not crashing or turbulence. It is having a panic attack and not being able to do anything because they are stuck on a plane.

“And that is the primary fear people have of flying. It is a fear of fear. Triggers could be reading about terrorism or a crash, but it doesn’t stick as a phobia until the age of ten.”

Address your own fear of flying

Children look to their parents for reassurance and an anxious parent may pass their fears onto their children.

Dr Seif said: “Many adults are afraid of flying and children between five and ten will pick up on that.

“If parents have real concerns about flying themselves, I always suggest they find a lighthearted comfortable way to say, ‘we don’t like flying and we have some silly fears.’ Because children tend to notice them.

“If you’re showing anxiety, your children will. So appear as calm as possible. You can say, ‘look, mom and dad have a silly thing about flying’, so it becomes a joke, not a boogeyman in their head.”

An estimated one in six adults in the US has a fear of flying, so there are plenty of resources available to help.

Look into a course, either online from fearofflying.com, at an airport – Milwaukee’s Mitchell International offers help from an aviation psychologist – or from an airline.

British Airways runs a Flying With Confidence course, with classes held in New York City, as well as other places around the world.

Virgin Atlantic offers a course, which includes a short flight – although you will have to get to the UK first for this one.

There are also self-help books available to help you understand and overcome your travel anxieties, including Dr Seif’s Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts, Flying Without Fear by Duane Brown and Captain Tom Bunn’s Soar: The Breakthrough Treatment For Fear Of Flying

Take your child for an airport tour

If their fear of flying is actually a fear of the unfamiliar, your child might be reassured with a trip to the airport. San Francisco International Airport offers a self-guided tour aimed at children, which includes a trip to its aviation museum. Take a look at your local airport’s website to see if they offer something similar and take the family for a day out at the airport.

Go to an aviation museum

If you have an aviation museum nearby, this is a great place to familiarize your children with air travel. A trip to a museum gives your child the opportunity to ask as many questions as they like and there are usually enthusiastic docents about to help answer them. Many museums, such as the Hiller Aviation Museum in the San Francisco Bay Area, have airplane cockpits children can climb into and explore.

Talk to your child about their fear of flying

Even if you cannot get to an airport or air museum, you can discuss your child’s fears. Asking them exactly what is bothering them and listening to their fears will help reassure them that it’s OK to be worried and more importantly, that you care about their feelings.

Encourage them to ask questions and continue to offer reassurance, talking about your own positive experiences and about the destination. You can read books together like Nope! A Tale Of First Flight.  

Prepare and get to the airport early

Seattle Children’s Hospital offers some tips for a stress-free trip on the day. “For air travel, avoid rushing and the stress it causes.

“Allow plenty of time to get through the lines at check-in and security. Be sure you don’t have more liquids than what’s allowed. (Before your trip, check online for the current rules on liquids, including baby formula and breast milk.)

“After you clear security, you can buy more water near your gate. Let your kids walk as much as possible before boarding. Insist that everyone use the restroom, and give babies a fresh diaper. Take advantage of early boarding for families with children. If your child weighs less than 40 pounds, they should be in an FAA-approved safety seat that’s right for their age, weight and height.”

Check out my post for more tips on how to fly with a toddler without stress and how to travel with an infant car seat.

Let the air crew help you

A spokesperson for United Airlines said that while the flight attendants job is to ensure the safety of passengers on board their aircraft, they have plenty of experience in dealing with nervous children (and their parents).

One customer thanked staff for their help on a flight with her young kids. “During my flight home from Cancun to Chicago, the flight crew went far above and beyond in their service and hospitality,” she told United.

“I would like to pay a special complement to Myra. Myra showed [my three-year-old] what all the galley equipment did, showed him how the light work and gave him some extra snacks.

“Myra and Danielle then gave him a warm cookie and a set of United wings. I asked what his favorite part of the vacation and he said that it was the airplane. Myra went above and beyond and made that flight special for my children and for that I am thankful.”

Bribery and distraction

Dr Seif said parents can focus on reassuring their children before the flight, and distracting them with fun activities once on board.

“The closer you are to the present they less anxious you are. Society is focused on the future – ‘what if’ thoughts.

“Anything that keeps a child closer to the present will help. So that’s why you want to to take a lot of things that look good, feel good or sound good to keep them connected to the present, whether that is candy, coloring books or screens to keep them occupied and busy during the flight.”

Make sure you bring plenty of snacks, drinks, toys and other entertainment for the flight. If you normally limit screen time, the promise of their own tablet will likely help them look forward to a flight.

Buy some new toys to whip out if things get difficult but don’t forget to take a familiar toy, blanket or book to help them feel comforted in unfamiliar surroundings. Take a look at my post Best Travel Gear For Toddlers for suggestions on how to make kids comfortable and happy on a flight.

The post Fear of Flying: How To Help Anxious Children Travel appeared first on Tiny Trailblazers.

Whether you are taking planes, trains or automobiles, here is a comprehensive list of everything you need for getting around with a baby – and a packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything!

For more tips, check out my post on Flying With A Baby.

Car Seats, Strollers and Baby Carriers, Oh My!

Even if you don’t own a car, you may want a taxi or to get a lift, at which point you will need a car seat. The laws on car seats in taxis vary depending on where you are but the laws of physics are the same everywhere and an unrestrained baby is extremely vulnerable, even in a low-speed accident. A car seat is really the only truly essential item here.

Check out my comprehensive post on Flying With An Infant Car Seat for tips on how to fly with a car seat.

These are my top-picks for light-weight and safe car seats for babies:

Car Seat	Weight Without Base	Weight Limits
Grace Snug Ride 30	7lb	4-30lb
Maxi Cosi Mico	8.2lb	4-30lb
Chicco KeyFit30	9.6lb	4-30lb

When looking for a stroller, you need to think about how you are getting about. If you are mostly going by car, a travel system using the car seat will be most convenient. But bear in mind car seats are not designed for babies to stay in all day, so if you prefer walking or taking public transport, consider a stroller that can be reclined to lie flat instead.

And you will also need a way of getting it safely to your destination, so check out this J L Childress Ultimate Padded Backpack car seat bag.

Top picks for travel systems

Graco FastAction Fold Click Connect Travel System Stroller	This one-hand fold stroller is just 21lb, ideal for travel.		$
	Pricier than the Graco but packed with features, this is a light and stylish travel system.		$$
Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System	Lightweight and easy to maneuver, this is a popular travel system.		$$

Top picks for lie-flat strollers

2018 UPPAbaby Vista Stroller	Pricey but ultimate flexibility: not only can you use this fully reclinable stroller with the MESA car seat, you can add seats to accommodate up to three children.		$$$
Chicco Urban 6-in-1 Modular Stroller	This modular system features a fully reclined seat, perfect for newborns. The seat can be removed and the Chicco KeyFit car seat connected, so this doubles as a travel system for extra flexibility.		$$
Maclaren Quest	At 12.7lb, this is very light for a fully reclinable stroller. While you cannot use it with a car seat, it is very compact and sturdy, perfect for travel.		$

Baby carriers are a lovely way to be close to your baby as you go about your day. They are good for moving around the home as well as for short trips out. On public transport, carriers take up no space at all unlike strollers. Look for something that will be kind to your back, allows  you to carry your baby inwards-facing and offers good support to your baby’s hips and head. Bonus points if it can easily be thrown in the washing machine.

Top picks for baby carriers

">Boba Classic Baby Carrier Wrap	I like this wrap because it is easy to wear and very comfortable for both baby and wearer. It’s also very easy to wash. You can use this even when your baby is a tiny newborn.		$
LILLEbaby 6-in-1 Carrier	New to the market but earning great reviews, this is a multi-way carrier. Once your baby gets heavier, you will find it more comfortable to wear them on your back, so this stylish carrier has some longevity. Great if you like going places a stroller can’t manage.		$$
Ergobaby Omni 360 All-In-One Ergonomic Baby Carrier	Ergobaby have been making comfortable, safe baby carriers for years now and you will appreciate the padded lumbar support.		$$$

Travel Crib And Travel High Chair

Many accommodations will offer a travel crib and even a high chair if you ask. If nothing is available, a light portable travel crib can be packed into your luggage. Make sure you take an appropriate fitted sheet and instead of a bulky quilt, use a cozy baby sleeping sack.

Top picks for travel beds

Brica Fold ‘N Go Travel Bassinet	This is a nice light bassinet for 0-3 months. Good if you don’t need a bulky playard but do want somewhere safe to lay down your baby.		$
MiClassic 2-in-1 Rocking Bassinet	A portable bassinet that can be rocked, great if your baby likes movement to get to sleep. Can hold a baby up to 35lb, so will last longer than the Brica.		$$
phil&ted’s Traveller Crib	This portable cot is very light at just 6lb and rolls up to yoga mat size, so can easily be packed up for a trip. Lasts until your baby can get out, so about age 2. A good option if your baby is crawling or you just want something that will last longer than one or two trips.		$$$

We usually took turns to hold the baby when traveling but there are some great portable booster seats available like this Summer Infant Pop And Sit portable booster if you would prefer to eat with two hands. A chair is also a safe spot to put a baby in an unfamiliar room while you run around baby-proofing. 

In your Carry On

Airlines usually allow two pieces of luggage as carry-on bags for the flight: one for the overhead compartment and a smaller bag to fit under the seat. If the flight is full, the flight crew may ask you to check your larger luggage into the hold, so make sure everything you need on the flight is in your smaller bag.

Diaper Bag

I mention diaper bag because they are popular but realistically any bag will do. A backpack is best for your back, although not necessarily convenient when you are trying to grab some wipes. Whatever you pick, think plenty of compartments and pockets. I found a cross-body style worked best for me. One tip: look for something with a separate, water resistant compartment for bottles. Because leaks happen.

Diaper Clutch

This Skip Hop clutch is perfect for on-the go changes. The bag has pockets for wipes and diapers and the clutch opens up into a wipe-clean mat. Public bathroooms are not always the cleanest and you will really appreciate something hygienic on which to change your precious baby.

Wipes

Obviously. If you are not wiping your baby, that’s probably because you are busy wiping up the mess they made. Look for water-based wipes if going disposable as babies have sensitive skin. You can buy a pack of cotton or bamboo reusable wipes as an alternative and keep the dirty ones in a wet bag when out and about.

Water Bottle

Taking care of a baby is hard work, so stay hydrated with a good water bottle. If you are using a steel bottle be aware they need extra checks when X-Rayed, so just take it out before putting your bag through the scanner at the airport.

Muslin Blanket

I never went anywhere without a muslin blanket. Great for keeping baby warm on cold days, the sun off a stroller on warm days and for wiping up messes on all days. 

Toy

Simple toys with a variety of colors, textures and sounds to explore are great to have to hand to entertain a baby. 

Top picks for travel-friendly baby toys

Lamaze Freddie the Firefly	WIth lots of colors, textures and sounds, this is a perfect small toy for babies to explore.		$
Manhattan Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Toy	Simple yet utterly fascinating to babies who just want to discover the world by putting things in their mouth.		$
World of Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar Let's Count Clip-On Book	Get them started on books early with this crinkle texture book based on the classic Eric Carle story.		$

Spare clothes

Some messes require a full outfit change, so pack more than one spare set of clothes for your baby. Onesies are the best because those envelope necklines allow for you to take it off downwards or over the head, avoiding getting mess all over your baby’s face. 

Don’t forget a spare top for yourself too.

Formula/Bottles/Water

Airport security will allow you to take liquids through for babies, such as water, juice, milk or formula in “reasonable quantities”. Just be prepared to take it out for inspection when you are scanning your bag through security.

If you are breastfeeding, you may want a hand pump rather than trying to bring an electric pump with you.

The post Best Travel Gear for Babies appeared first on Tiny Trailblazers.

My preferred option was to spend the entire first year of my newborn’s life snuggled up in bed but life had other plans. Turns out it is possible to travel with a baby and is in many ways, preferable to flying with a toddler. Plus under two’s don’t need their own seat so they fly free, yay. Here are all my tips and a checklist for traveling with a baby.

How Old Do Babies Have To Be To Fly?

My husband and I emigrated to California so when we had our firstborn, we knew it was only a matter of time before we would have to cross the Atlantic to the UK. We took our son at four months and have been flying ever since.

First of all, is there a minimum age you can take a baby on a flight? No, essentially. If you want to book your baby their own seat, so you can fly with a car seat and have somewhere to put them during the flight, you will need to book them a ticket. You can even do this before they are born, if you need to travel immediately, just call the airline and ask for their advice.

If you are flying with them as a lap infant, you can simply add them onto your booking for free (domestic) or for around 10% of the ticket price (international flight).

We waited until our newborn had been given the second dose of vaccines according to the CDC’s recommended vaccination schedule but this is a matter of preference.

If you are flying internationally, you will need a passport for your baby and this will take time. You can apply as soon as you have a birth certificate and can get an appointment at a post office.

Do Babies Fly For Free?

Sort of! Most airlines allow under two-year-olds to fly for free as a “lap baby” on a domestic flight, which means they do not get their own seat and have to sit on your lap for the duration of the flight. On international flights, you will have to pay the taxes, which cost around 10% of the ticket. 

Ask For A Bassinet

Book international flights well in advance of your travel date and ask for a bassinet, also known as a SkyCot, CarryCot or TravelCot. This is a basket attached to the seat in front of yours designed to carry a baby safely on board long-haul flights. There are only a few places on the airplane where the bassinet can be attached, so you need to book early to secure one of these coveted seats.

The reason you want one is you face the whole trip with a baby on your lap and it is nice to get to the bathroom occasionally. Airlines have height and weight restrictions on bassinets so check these before booking.

If you don’t have a bassinet, consider a window seat so you don’t have to get up to let out a fellow passenger a second after you got your baby to sleep.

Fly Nonstop

It’s usually cheaper to include a layover on international flights. This is one area where you should spend the extra and book non-stop if possible. Getting a baby on and off a plane is not fun and this is something we have learned the hard way. Also, consider a night flight, as a sleeping baby is much easier to deal with.

Car Seats And Strollers

If you are traveling with a car seat or stroller, you can check these in free of charge with your luggage. However, this essential gear is annoyingly fragile. Ideally you would have a lightweight umbrella stroller you can put in an overhead locker but these are best suited to toddlers, not infants.

The safest option is to gate check the seat and stroller. This means taking both through the airport but you will probably be grateful to have the stroller at least. By taking your car seat and stroller right up to the gate, they are less likely to be damaged or lost and you get them back as soon as you step off the plane at the other end.

Make sure all loose straps are secured and I recommend you buy a bag for extra protection. If your car seat is damaged en route, lodge your complaint with the airline before you leave the airport for your best chance of getting some money back.

Check out my post Flying With An Infant Car Seat for more tips.

Getting Through Security

Families with children under two get priority going through security. The restricted liquids rule is also waived so you can take through a “reasonable amount” of formula, breastmilk, water, and juice, although this will all have to be scanned. Baby food in cans or jars is also permitted. If you are taking your car seat and stroller to the gate, these will need to be scanned too. Children under 12 do not have to take their shoes off. Babies and infants have to be carried in arms through the metal detector. If your baby is in a sling this is usually OK too.

The TSA also recommends you double check your bag before leaving for the airport. You don’t want to be that parent who causes a security alert because their child slipped in their favorite toy gun.

Passport

Baby’s first passport! I highly recommend sorting this out in plenty of time. Depending on where you are and what time of year you’re applying, this could take a couple of weeks or a few months. But the process is simple. Check out travel.state.gov for the instructions then make an appointment at a post office near you. Appointments vary drastically between locations so check a few for the most convenient time.

Don’t forget a passport photo, birth certificate and proof of citizenship (if your baby was born outside the US), plus your own ID. Both parents need to attend the appointment; if one can’t make it, a permission form or evidence that you are the sole parent will be required. When you receive the passport, don’t forget to sign it and add an emergency contact number.

Infant Health

It’s recommended by the CDC that you wait until your baby has had their first set of immunizations before traveling. However, it may be possible to receive these vaccinations on an accelerated schedule. Talk to your pediatrician about your travel plans. In some ways, babies are easier to protect from illness as they are only eating and drinking the breastmilk or formula you provide, plus they are not constantly touching every grubby surface like a toddler does.

What To Take On Board: Checklist For Traveling With A Baby

Check and check again you have all the supplies you need to feed your baby. Diapers, and wipes, changing mat obviously, and spare clothes are necessary carry-on requirements. Pacifiers if they use them. A muslin blanket makes a good extra layer if it gets cold.

A sling is a good thing to have on you but the flight crew won’t let you use it while in the air as they are not approved for flying. Some car seats are, however; so if you want to buy a ticket for your baby, bring your FAA approved car seat on board and ask the flight crew for assistance in strapping it in. If your baby is used to napping in her seat, this may make for a more relaxing flight for you.

Take a whole pack on cheap onesies that you can consider disposable in case of poo-splosions or spit-ups. You really don’t want to stick a soiled outfit back into your bag. Take a wet bag or zip lock for the less catastrophic outfit changes.

If you can, try to feed your baby on take-off and landing, as it helps with their ears.

What if They Cry The Whole Time?

At four months, I was worried about my son annoying everyone on a flight with his crying but plenty of cuddles and the roar of the engines proved to be very comforting, so he slept most of the way. My second was, let’s say, more of a handful but even she was pretty calm on a five-hour flight at six months. You know your baby best; if he is generally happy and calm being constantly held, you’ll be OK. Even if he does scream, most people are pretty understanding. Don’t stress too much!

The post First Flight: Checklist For Traveling With A Baby appeared first on Tiny Trailblazers.